Prototypes

Computer 3-D modeling is valuable, but there is no substitute for a physical model or prototype. Prototypes help in evaluating a manufacturing process as well as how a part looks, feels, and handles. Prototyping allows you to:

Identify flaws early on in the developmental cycle, saving money and shortening time to production

Produce die-cast quality parts before investing in expensive and time-consuming production tooling

Attain pre-production parts while ramping up to full production capability

Validate theoretical analysis throughout the product design cycle

Optimal Process to Produce Your Part:

When we receive your request for quote we first try to understand as much as we can about the part and its function.

Part geometry, quantities requirements, and turn-around are factors that determine the optimal process to be used to produce your part. Sometimes the processes that we offer are not the best option. In these cases our engineering and sales team is able to consult with you as to other processes you may want to consider.

Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering is the process of duplicating a part by determining a parts physical and material characteristics. We can provide design analysis through the use of 3-D scanning, and we can provide chemical and metallographic analysis to determine materials and any post-production processes used.

Prototype vs. Functional Part

Often the prototypes we produce are fully functional, but non-functional parts are sometimes produced. Non-functional parts are sometimes used to show potential investors or to test market panels. Whether a non-functional part is less expensive depends on factors such as material specified, part geometry, and exact processes used to produce the part.

Regardless, the project manager assigned to your job will make sure the prototype meets your specific needs at the lowest total cost.

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a process using 3-D CAD design data or 3-D scan data to directly fabricate objects. We can quickly produce your part from a 3-D drawing by using Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machining.